Our Shepherds

A Historical Sketch

1963

5.6 acre lot was purchased by District in south S. Vital.

1966

As a result of a witness survey done by Ambassadors for Christ in October, a decision was made by the Winnipeg Missions Committee, with permission from District, to proceed with South Saint Vital Lutheran Mission. The Rev. Wilson Porat, Pastor of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church was the Mission Pastor. The first Worship facility, a rented house location at 1189 St. Mary's Road dedicated November 6.

1967

Full time lay assistent, Mrs. Elizabeth Walker was inducted on September 17 to assist Pastor Porat. The old St. Vital Baptist Church was purchased and moved to our present site. This "little white church" was dedicated on December 3.

1968

With the aid of The Rev. Luther Koehler, Circuit Counsellor, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church was organized as a congregation January 14. The constitution was accepted February 11 and signed on April 7.
May 5 - Membership Sunday, Charter Member Families: Corneillie, Koss, McKane, Ruf, Sielkie, Wiegner
June 16 - The Rev. Murvyn Kentel installed as our first resident Pastor and Missionary at Large.
July - The congregation joined the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
The first Vacation Bible Study with an enrollment of 112 children was held. Mrs. Walker was called as lay assistent to Saint James Lutheran Church.
September 22 - First Service of Holy Baptism, 7 children baptized.
December 12 - First adult baptism; First adult confirmation

1969

May 25 - First class of youth confirmed.
November 1 - First wedding ceremony held.

1972-75

Plans underway to build a new church.
District sold 4.5 acres of the original property to a developer.

1975

September 23 - The LWML organized in our congregation.
October 12 - Ground Breaking Ceremony for our new church building.

1976

April 25 - Cornerstone Laying Ceremony.
May 30 - Dedication of our new Church building.
October 31 - Dedication of our new organ.

1978

May 6 - New church sign was erected. Trees and shrubs planted.
May 28 - Celebration of 10th Anniversary as a congregation. The Rev. Luther Koehler, former Circuit Counsellor was guest preacher.

1979

August - Record enrollment of 155 children at Vacation Bible School.
November - "Planning for the 80's" congregational workshop.

January 1 - Official beginning of Lutheran Church-Canada.
May 19 - Largest confirmation class on record, 19 youth confirmed.
July 7-11 - 17 youth and 3 leaders attended Lutheran Church-Canada's first youth gathering Look Up! in Thunder Bay, ON.
October 15 - Our Constitution and By-Laws revised to include Elders.
October - The Life Light Bible Study Series began.

1990

March 24-30 - "Spring Fling", Pastor Fritsche led a busload of youth from Winnipeg to visit Concordia College, Edmonton, AB.
July 8 - Service of Godspeed and Farewell for The Rev. Bryan Borger, first son of congregation to enter the Holy Ministry.

1990-91

A survey of the needs and opportunities of the various ministries in our congregation took place. Five-year goals were outlined.
A Building Committee was formed to look at ways to expand our facilities for the growing needs of our congregation.
A Committee was formed to set up a Young Adult Ministry.

1992

May 24 - 10th Anniversary of our Nursery School celebrated.
July 3-7 - Our congregation had largest representation, 28 youth and leaders, at 2nd LCC Youth Gathering 3...2...WON! in Saskatoon, SK.
December 6 - The Rev. Edwin Lehman, President of LCC presided at a special Worship Service in recognition to Pastor Fritsche's 10 years as our pastor. A surprise luncheon followed the Worship Service.

1993

April - A call was issued to and accepted by Mr. Todd Hennig to serve as Youth/Young Adult Parrish Worker.
June 12-13 - 25th Anniversary fellowship banquet held Saturday.
The Rev. Bryan Borger, son of congregation, guest preacher at Sunday afternoon Celebration of Thanksgiving Worship Service.
September 18-19 - 25th Anniversary Reunion weekend.